James Caldwell

James Caldwell - farmer, resided on sect. 17, Clay Township, born 28 Jan 1829 in Portage Co., OH. Son of John Caldwell, grandson of John T Caldwell, greatgrandson of Joseph Caldwell.

James was the father of 9 children of whom 8 survived. James was reared on a farm in his native state, receiving his education in the rude, log-cabin subscription schools. Married 4 July 1851 to Merriam Downs.

James & family came to Clay Township in 1855, settling on the section mentioned above. For several weeks resided in their wagon, then moved into their house which consisted of forks driven into the ground and sided w/ rough boards, the roof being covered w/ prarie hay and the floor dirt covered w/ prarie grass. Their furniture consisted princably of a bench, trunk, packing box and a bedstead fastened to the wall.

Here they experienced many hardships incident to pioneer life. As time passed their lives became much more comfortable by their combined industry & frugality.

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James Caldwell, farmer, residing on section 17, Clay Township, was born in Portage County, Ohio, January 28, 1829, a son of John Caldwell, and a grandson of John Caldwell, a native of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. The latter was one of three sons of Joseph Caldwell, and was the father of thirteen children, most of whom were sons, whose descendants are scattered over various parts of the United States.

John Caldwell, father of our subject, was also a native of Westmoreland County, but when quite young he removed with his parents to Ohio, where he was reared and married, remaining there till his death.

James Caldwell, whose name heads this sketch, was reared on a farm in his native State, receiving his education in the rude log-cabin subscription schools. He was married July 4, 1851, to Mariam Downs, daughter of William Downs, deceased. Nine children have been born to them, of whom eight survive--G. Clinton, Lillian E., Willard W., Barbara L., Clara Belle, Eveline M., James L., and Cora E. Mr. Caldwell came to this county with his wife in the spring of 1855, settling on the section where he has since resided. For several weeks after coming here they lived in their wagons.

They then moved into their house, which consisted of forks driven into the ground, and sided up with rough boards, the roof being covered over with prairie hay, the floor of earth being carpeted with prairie grass. Their furniture was of the rudest kind, it principally consisting of a bench, trunk, packing box and a bedstead fastened to the wall. Here they experienced many hardships incident to pioneer life, but are today in comfortable circumstances, which has been acquired by their combined industry and frugality.

Both Mr. and Mrs.Caldwell are members of the Christian church at Humeston.

Typed as written from page 332 The Biographical and Historical Record of Wayne and Appanoose Counties Iowa.

Inter-State Publishing Company

113 Adams Street, Chicago

1886

James died of stomache trouble. Years later his daughter Evaline, who was a doctor, wondered if it was cancer.